Italy: Napolitano invites 'select group' on cabinet

Italy has an "operational" government at the moment, President Napolitano says

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano has asked a select group of people to offer a policy platform to end the impasse in forming a new government.

He named 10 "wise men" to work in two separate groups.

His announcement ended speculation that he might resign - a day after political parties failed to agree a coalition government following February's inconclusive election.

Mr Napolitano said he would serve out his mandate that ends on 15 May.

Italy has been governed by a group of technocrats led by Mario Monti since late 2011 - when centre-right leader Silvio Berlusconi resigned in the middle of an acute economic crisis.

President Napolitano said that Mr Monti's caretaker cabinet was still "operational" and "in charge".

I want to underline one more time the need for all political parties to demonstrate their full awareness of the gravity and urgency of the problems facing the countryGiorgio Napolitano, Italian President

However, the continuing political stalemate is delaying reforms that could help revive Italy's recession-hit, debt-laden economy.

'Wise men'

The president finished consultations with Italy's main political leaders on Friday.